Musical tribute to Maine-NH bridge called off over safety concerns

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. — Officials in Portsmouth and Kittery, Maine, have told musicians on both sides of the border not to hold a planned “jam session” on the recently closed Memorial Bridge between the communities.

Musicians and fans had planned on meeting in the middle of the bridge Monday for a tribute concert.

But authorities as well as New Hampshire Department of Transportation officials expressed safety concerns about such a large gathering.

Officials in both states announced the bridge was closed permanently Wednesday following an inspection that showed it continues to deteriorate and is no longer safe for vehicular traffic. It remains open for pedestrians and bicyclists.

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Jam organizer Drika Overton tells The Portsmouth Herald the future of the jam session is in question but it could be held at an alternate site.